RBW Spotlight : Gina Prince-Bythewood

Last night I had the absolute pleasure of seeing a private pre-screening of the Secret Life of Bee's. Amazing movie that will be in theaters this friday that all my Renaissance Black People should go see. Before they started the movie, to my surprise, the writer of the screen play and director of the movie, Gina Prince-Bythewood was in attendance and spoke to the crowd. She talked about what a challenge it was to get this story told on the big screen and how there was no budget for the film. Queen Latifah believed in the project so much that she came on board and did it for no money and recruited Sophie, Alicia, and Jennifer to come on board and do it for little money. The movie was Executive Produced by Jada Pinkett-Smith.

I really admire her, as a writer and as a director. She is who I thought I would be when I was in high school. I really thought I was going to be the female Spike Lee, and its extremely hard for black filmmakers so I can't even imagine how hard her journey has been. She was also an athlete like I was and ran track for UCLA.

For those who have never heard of her let me give you a little background because I'm sure you didn't know that she was behind some of the tv shows and movies that you know and love. She has written several episodes of A Different World, directed episodes of Everybody Hates Chris, Girlfriends, and the Bernie Mac show. When it comes to the big screen she wrote and directed Love & Basketball and directed Disappearing Acts which I love that went straight to dvd. She's also directed several music videos.

So go support this Renaissance Black Woman this weekend by going to see the Secret Life of Bee's. The movie was amazing and gave you this classic feel that I still get to this day every time I watch the Color Purple. There are some tear jerking parts... I'm not one to cry and even my eyes got a little puffy but I didn't let the tear drop.

Check her out talking about the film



Here is some behind the scenes footage

31 comments

brittany October 15, 2008 at 7:58 PM

i can't wait to see this movie..!!

and i looovvee disappearing acts..

btw... what happened to our cowboys??? my faith is still strong though...

Unknown October 15, 2008 at 8:18 PM

I cant wait to see it either....

laughing808 October 15, 2008 at 10:11 PM

I'm actually reading the book. And I said I'd see the movie once I'm done reading. So maybe not this weekend but definitely next weekend.

cherry's kid October 15, 2008 at 10:16 PM

I can't wait to see it...I'm going to see my roomie from college this weekend maybe we'll see it then...

DrennaB October 15, 2008 at 10:26 PM

I saw the movie too and she did a great job with it! I liked the book and wasn't impressed with the trailers but I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. KUDOS to Gina!

YBW October 15, 2008 at 11:08 PM

I absolutely loved this as a book, and I'm totally treating myself to the movie. It looks like they did it justice. :) Lovely

Anonymous October 16, 2008 at 12:16 AM

Plan on seeing it on opening day.

Anonymous October 16, 2008 at 4:02 AM

I've been meaning to get to reading the book since it did so well on the NY Times best selling list. I can't believe no one would fund this project.

Im glad Latifah stepped in though. Can't wait to see.

Unknown October 16, 2008 at 8:12 AM

Reading the information that you have provided has made me want to see it even more.

I want to support those who are striving hard.

The Jaded NYer October 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM

I had a pass to see a pre-screening on Tuesday but passed on it because the book (which I just read) left me all BLAH...

But I have heard of that director and she's pretty good, so maybe I'll give it a shot.

I'll try and see it after it comes out, just let me see who I can trick into paying for my ticket LOL

Sass October 16, 2008 at 11:12 AM

the book was amazing and i heard the movie was just as good. i can't wait to see it

Anonymous October 16, 2008 at 11:32 AM

The book is one of my favs...so I'm definately excited to see the movie.Bythewood doesn't get the credit she diserves...she's phenomenal. Isn't it a mess how our writers get the low budgets and minimal support?

Barbara October 16, 2008 at 12:58 PM

I'm looking forward to seeing this movie. It looks extremely powerful, which I am sure it is.

Sexxy Luv October 16, 2008 at 1:19 PM

Thank for the history, i didn't know who she was.

I'll def be checking this out! :)

Tyhitia Green October 16, 2008 at 1:34 PM

I am actually looking forward to seeing this movie. I'm pleased that a Black director took it on.

When I first heard about the book, I rolled my eyes because as an African-American writer, I feel that non-Black folks usually do not convey Black characters correctly, but I think Sue Monk Kidd did an excellent job with this and I can't wait. :-)

Thanks for sharing this with us, Eb. ;-) Wish I was there, I would have thrown my movie script to Ms. Bythewood and begged her to read it. :-D

Nola.Divine October 16, 2008 at 1:48 PM

The book is amazing! If anybody has a chance to read it before they go see the movie, please do!

Tiffany S. Jones October 16, 2008 at 2:05 PM

You forgot to mention that she is the director behind "Love & Basketball." And she even made a cameo appearance in that movie.
She's a bad sista!

Ashley T October 16, 2008 at 2:23 PM

I am so going to see that sometime in the next couple of weeks.

clnmike October 16, 2008 at 2:49 PM

Good pick, I will go check the movie out.

Dopelikelouboutins October 16, 2008 at 3:26 PM

I REALLY wanna see this movie but I have no idea wat it's about except the sisters taking in the black lady and the little white girl...maybe I'll wait for some reviews from movie goers

Tasha October 16, 2008 at 3:56 PM

I'll definitely be checking it out. The book is great, so I hope the movie is as good or better.

TravelDiva October 16, 2008 at 5:55 PM

Oh, I'm definitely going to see it. I read the book a couple of years ago in my book club. Good for her and the other ladies!

p_nami October 16, 2008 at 9:08 PM

Aww...I wish I could have gone. Just so much to do. What are your plans this weekend? I need to go ahead and find that costume.

Keith October 16, 2008 at 10:59 PM

My wife and I plan to see this tomorrow night.

Brown Girl Gumbo October 17, 2008 at 12:00 PM

I can't wait to see this movie, but getting my husband to go with me will be a major challenge. Too bad I don't have many girlfriends here in NYC who could go with me. :-(

Oh well...

Bumble Bee October 17, 2008 at 4:10 PM

I'm taking my niece to see it today. I'm even more excited now after hearing the background info. Gotta support our sistas!!! & yeah u can say I'm sort of a blk feminist~lol

Chari October 17, 2008 at 4:48 PM

I admire her also! Ready to see that movie!

Unknown October 18, 2008 at 1:02 AM

Definitely looking forward to seeing the movie. I love GP-B's work. Thanks for posting the video.

T.a.c.D October 18, 2008 at 7:36 PM

i went on a movie date with myself this afternoon to go and see it...it was indeed worth it and i made myself go because of what you said it's a classic story that needed to be told...im glad i went

Mo October 19, 2008 at 8:54 PM

the movie was amazing
my girlfriends & i def cried
lol

bored_eats October 20, 2008 at 5:50 PM

the movie is awesome!!!! loved it!!!!

I've been MIA for a while...but im back and glad to catch up on this blog here!!! I got a lot to read girl! lol

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